Grapevine Music Agency - representing some of the finest roots musicians from the UK and North America. Folk, Blues, Country, Americana.

We were introduced to The Pines by Eric Peltoniemi, President of Red House Records, one evening in Austin, Texas. Eric gave us a copy of Tremolo and asked us to play it. We did - in fact we played it 5 times right through. I hadn't heard anything like it in years. A quite amazing record that blended old folk and blues with hip indie-rock and Americana. This is exhilarating music from one of the finest US bands to emerge in the last 10 years. And now, we're very pleased to announce that they're touring the UK and Europe for the first time in November/December.

"The Pines are one of the most important new roots acts today and thrill audiences wherever they play. There's no doubt that they are on the verge of achieving major international renown. More importantly, they're a joy and a pleasure to work with and we're proud to have them on our label" Eric Peltoniemi, President, Red House Records

"Like the great folk-rock bands of yesteryear, The Pines simultaneously command tradition and the moment....they can go from funny to spooky in a Blonde on Blonde minute. I didn't hear a better band in 2008" legendary rock critic Dave Marsh

"Clever, witty and vivid...these songs live inside your head" Q Magazine

"A state of emergency runs through these songs, but there is a safe haven too, even if it's just a dream, and the Pines get there with a warm, drawling poise in their voices and sparse resonant picking" Rolling Stone

"Spooky, country-noir...conjuring a grizzled sky, parched fields and cold wind" Pop Matters

Made up of Iowa natives David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey, indie-roots duo The Pines actually began their musical partnership in Arizona, where they both lived in a Mexican barrio and first began playing together. Committing to a musical career, they returned to their Midwestern roots and moved to Minneapolis, a city that has launched many folk and rock acts from Bob Dylan to The Replacements to The Jayhawks. Like these Twin Cities legends, The Pines weave together many musical styles to create their own unique sound that is hip and haunting. The son of Greg Brown's producer and sideman Bo Ramsey, Benson was reared on folk and blues music and continues to let those influences shine, even on louder electric songs. David also has a deep love for traditional music, and together the two of them craft songs that evoke the ancient, while incorporating newer rock and pop grooves. Both strong writers and musicians, David and Benson have distinct voices that complement each other, causing audiences and critics alike to tout them as a powerful young force in American roots music.

After releasing their first CD on Iowa based Trailer Records, The Pines signed with acclaimed indie label Red House Records in 2007 and released their breakout album Sparrows in the Bell, named one of the top roots releases of the year by Q Magazine. Garnering rave reviews in magazines and blogs in the UK and Europe, the album won them new fans all over the world. The Pines wowed audiences at the 2008 South By Southwest (SXSW) and were named one of the musical highlights by CMT.com. Their dark Americana sound has gained a devoted cult following and has led them to share the stage with such diverse acts as Jolie Holland, The Arcade Fire, Iris DeMent, Bon Iver and The Holmes Brothers.

Now with the release of the new CD Tremolo, The Pines solidify their place as one of the acts to watch on the indie-roots music scene. Produced by Bo Ramsey and recorded in just two days, the album showcases their unique songwriting and musicianship. It features their all-star Minneapolis-based band, which includes acclaimed drummer J.T. Bates (Michel Portal, John Gorka), jazz bassist James Buckley (Ed Harcourt, Daniel Johnston, Dosh) and Benson's brother Alex Ramsey on keyboards.

DISCOGRAPHY
Tremolo -Red House Records -2009
Sparrows in the Bell - Red House Records -2007
The Pines - Trailer Records - 2004